"When new companies come in to replace some of the old companies that we've lost, that's how we're going to have to handle this situation," he said. "We're going to have to continue to recruit new industries to come into the area that may replace some of the manufacturing industries that have aged out."

Bentley cited the now-closed IP Courtland mill as an example. IP announced on 9/11 last year it would shutter its North Alabama operation because of dwindling demand for its uncoated freesheet paper product, which has been in decline since the late 1990s.

The state tried to convince IP to stay in Alabama, but the paper company said the decision to leave wasn't based on a workforce or incentive issue.

"(Companies) have a lifespan and when the demand is no longer there for the supply, then companies no longer exist," he said. "That's what happened at IP. There was just not really anything we could do about that. We couldn't put enough money into that to make that demand there for the supply."

Rep. Robert Aderholt said local entities like SEDA and the governor's office are improving conditions for companies in rural Alabama.

"What we need to do in Washington is we need to do everything that we can to try to get rid of the regulations we're seeing on businesses," he said. "So many businesses don't want to expand right now because they don't know the regulations coming out of Washington and they don't know what kind of taxes they're going to face."

Despite the workforce challenges northwest Alabama is facing, Russellville Mayor David Grissom said "it's a very good day" when companies like SEHomes decide to move from Double Springs into a community like Franklin County.

"We've been blessed here," he said. "The good Lord is looking down on us and we hope to continue to see Russellville and Franklin County grow."